Expansive Watch Hill Renovation

WATCH HILL, RI

Situated on one of highest points in Watch Hill, this house was traditionally called the Rockpile. Built in 1890, it stood for 100 years before being severely damaged by fire. It was rebuilt in 1990, but after 30 years, the house was again in need of attention. This project realigned the entry sequence, changed the arrangement of roof elements, increased the height of the original tower, inserted a pool terrace, redesigned interior room layouts, and added a 1,000 square foot addition. As a full gut renovation, everything in the house was upgraded.

Like so many houses in Watch Hill, the Rockpile is clad in cedar shingles for both the walls and the roof. Original 1890 stonework has been incorporated into the entry grotto on the lower level and a mud room off the pool terrace. Due to its unusual site, views from most rooms are breathtaking with sweeping vistas from Block Island all the way to the Connecticut coastline.

The new owner was interested in building a home that could accommodate a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The current house comprises 10,400 SF and includes 9 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, an open porch, 2 screened porches, 2 decks, an elevator, a screening room, a wine cellar, and a private gym. The new room arrangement on the main floor features an expansive layout that creates a natural flow from the living room to the dining room to the kitchen to the screened porch. The opening from the living room to the kitchen is 14’ wide and is mirrored in the 14’ wide kitchen island. Attention was paid to ceilings, shaping the space to give each room its special character.

A gracious spiral stair in the tower connects three floors and culminates at the 2nd floor landing in a beautiful water view. Most bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and built-in closets. The 3rd floor includes a memorable office at the apex of the tower, and a deck with 360-degree views